Watch Soultaker
- R
- 1990
- 1 hr 34 min
-
2.4 (3,945)
Soultaker is a 1990 independent horror film directed by Michael Rissi. The movie follows a young girl named Natalie (played by Vivian Schilling) and her boyfriend, Zach (Gregg Thomsen), as they are driving home from a party when they get into a car crash. Upon impact, their souls are lifted from their bodies by the titular "Soultaker" (Joe Estevez), who is a Grim Reaper-like figure.
Natalie and Zach soon realize what has happened, and the Soultaker informs them that they are dead and must come with him to the afterlife. However, Natalie refuses to believe that she is dead and runs away from the Soultaker. She soon meets three other souls who are in the same predicament as her; including a young boy and two middle-aged men. Together, they must find a way to return to their own bodies before it's too late.
Throughout the movie, the group encounters various obstacles and is pursued by the Soultaker and his henchmen. They also learn that they are being chased because they have not yet fulfilled their life's purpose and the Soultaker is trying to force them to move on to the afterlife.
One of the most interesting aspects of Soultaker is the way it portrays the afterlife. In this version of the afterlife, souls must cross over a bridge to reach their final destination. However, if they fail to cross over, they become trapped in a purgatory-like state. The idea of unfinished business and having to complete a life's purpose before moving on is also an intriguing concept presented in the film.
The acting in Soultaker is fairly solid, with Joe Estevez delivering a memorable performance as the ominous Soultaker. Vivian Schilling also does a good job as the protagonist, Natalie, showcasing her character's determination and strength throughout the film. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Gregg Thomsen and Robert Z'Dar, also give respectable performances.
The movie was shot on a low budget and it shows in some of the special effects. However, the production design and make-up effects are surprisingly well done, especially considering the film's limited resources. The cinematography is also effective, making use of dark lighting to create a creepy atmosphere.
One potential drawback of Soultaker is the pacing. The film can be slow in places, with the middle section feeling particularly stagnant at times. However, the suspenseful moments and action sequences do help to keep the viewer engaged.
Overall, Soultaker is an interesting and unique addition to the horror genre. The film's depiction of the afterlife and the idea of having to complete one's life's purpose before moving on adds depth to the story. While it may not be a perfect movie, it's still an enjoyable ride for those who are fans of supernatural horror.